Galatians

July 15th – Galatians 2:4

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Galatians 2:4

The gospel as told in the Word of God is perfect and complete. Yet many try distort it’s message of freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ. They add, take away, and twist the scriptures to fit their worldly agendas. They mandate ungodly rules and rituals needed to obtain salvation, forgiveness, and blessings. And Paul says be alert, for they are everywhere. These “false brethren” don’t come with signs, bells, and whistles, announcing their arrival. Instead they slowly sneak their false doctrine into our hearts and minds, leading us back into the very bondage Jesus gave His blood to free us from. So to defend ourselves, we need to spend time daily in the Word of God. We need to know it’s truths and stand on it’s promises. For it is our greatest shield against attacks from all enemies both outside and within.

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July 13th – Galatians 4:31

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Galatians 4:31

When it comes to describing the freedom we enjoy through Christ, and the difference between the old covenant and the new, the apostle Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar bore Ishmael in the ordinary manner in which babies are born. Yet Sarah bore Isaac in a supernatural way, after receiving a message from God. Hagar, a bondswoman, had children born as slaves to the Law. These children represent Jerusalem before Jesus came, and all those who try to earn salvation through works. But Sarah, a free woman, had children born into that freedom. These children represent both Jews and Gentiles who are born under grace, and all who receive salvation through faith in Jesus and His promises. Paul goes on to tell us that just like Ishmael ridiculed and demeaned Isaac, Christians will face persecution from those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. But we needn’t fear but rather celebrate. For Paul tells us that only those who choose faith or works are “heirs according to promise”, and will receive the gift of eternal life. (Gal. 3:29)

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July 11th – Galatians 5:13

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Galatians 5:13

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been freed from the curse of the Law. But Paul is quick to remind us that freedom isn’t intended to cause us to sin. And it isn’t intended for us to lead lives of self focus, importance, or indulgence. Instead, knowing the great price Jesus paid for our freedom, we are to use our liberties to serve God and others. We are to, “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) Jesus left His mighty throne in heaven and in great love, humbled Himself before those He created. And if we love the Lord, we will love others. For as Paul goes on to say, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal. 5:14)

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July 1st – Galatians 5:1

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Galatians 5:1

Because of our fallen nature, it is hard for us to truly grasp the freedom we have through Christ. The perfectly simplistic message of the gospel, grace through faith in Jesus Christ, seems too good to be true. And so we try to add to it. Through legalism, good works, and man made ritualistic ceremonies, we try to earn our salvation. But God is very clear. There is nothing we can do to purchase the freedom that Jesus died to give us. It is a gift offered by God alone, and received by faith. And so Paul urges us to break from our bondage and walk in that freedom. To give the up the yoke of slavery and take up the yoke of Jesus who says, “Take My yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:29)

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A Just God Demands Justice – Micah 1:1-4:13

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Micah 1:1-4:13

Micah was a prophet called from his hometown of Moresheth to deliver God’s message of judgement against Israel. Corruption and abuse had become the practices of the rich and powerful against the poor. And Micah warned the people of God’s approaching consequences against those oppressing others for their own personal gain. For the Lord is holy and righteous, and He expects the same from His people. And a just God demands justice. …

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May 3rd – Galatians 5:16

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Galatians 5:16

Human nature comes with its share of frailties, both physically and morally. And with Satan ruling this world, the pull of a fleshly life is strong. But when we abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit is always working in our lives. He tears down the strongholds of sin, and builds up a fortress of protection around our hearts. A refuge we can run to when facing the Tempter. The Lord knows we are weak and under attack daily. But if we keep our eyes on Him, trust in His Word, and follow His guidance, we can withstand any temptation.

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April 7th – Galatians 3:28

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Galatians 3:28

When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he declared all men (and women), were created by God equally. And where did he get such a notion? From the Creator of all Himself, God. For it is the Lord who declares that He came not just to save a few, but to save all. And His love isn’t reserved for just His chosen favorites. Instead out of His great love for each and everyone of us, Jesus came and laid down His life so that any and all who believe on Him can have eternal life. And when we receive Him as our Savior, we become equal, adopted heirs into God’s kingdom and members of His one, single church.

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March 23rd – Galatians 1:10

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Galatians 1:10

The apostle Paul and his teachings were being challenged in Galatia. Yet Paul stood firm, using Christ as his defense. As followers of Jesus, the world will challenge us as well. But we too can stand firm in the truth of the Gospel. For Christians answer not to man, but to God. And the lives we lead and changes we make are for His glory alone. So no matter what people tell us, or how they chastise us, we can find comfort in knowing we aren’t seeking the approval of the world. We are striving to lead lives pleasing to God alone, and trusting Him to handle the naysayers!

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February 28th – Galatians 5:14

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Galatians 5:14

In Galatians chapter 5, Paul is talking about the Law of Moses, which was given by God to Israel. A law whose very foundation is love. Because love is the basis for all that God does, and it should be the same for us. For how can we say we love God, and not love those He calls His. If the Holy Spirit truly lives in our hearts, love should flow easily from us towards others. And loving our neighbors as we love ourselves is a natural response when our love for God allows us to see them as He does, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Counting Others Blessings Instead Of Your Own – Galatians 5: 13-26

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Galatians 5:13-26

In the world we live today, wealth is celebrated above all else. Our televisions, magazines, and internet are all inundated with images and stories of the rich and famous. It’s no wonder that when we see their seemingly perfect lives posted all over social media, we feel the twinge of jealousy, wanting what they have.  …

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